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Rh become on the most cordial terms with the Philimores, whence had arisen her acquaintance with the De Brookes.

With the usual quick-sightedness ascribed to the advanced spinster in the manœuvres and stratagems of love, she soon discovered that a more than common partiality existed between Edmund Philimore and the eldest daughter of General De Brooke. Of affable manners, and not envious of the privileges granted to the younger of her sex, she often availed herself of her intimacy with the respective families of the lovers, to rally each upon the subject nearest their heart; upon which, consulting together, in the fear her pleasantries might prove injurious to them, they thought better to ensure her discretion, by entrusting her with their mutual secret; and, agreeably to the result anticipated, secured to themselves her steady friendship.

Having herself at one time experienced a strong partiality, under adverse circumstances, Miss Morris unfortunately felt too much sympathy for those who were in the same predicament; on which account a more than common good understanding arising between her and the lovers, her house became for them a convenient rendezvous. Oriana, under the pretence of enjoying the society of her friend, frequently, with her mother's permission, absented